Build Canada:  What are the guiding principles at SEAN. that impact and drive performance of your projects?

Sean Mason:  At SEAN. we design and build, standout homes not just because they look nice – though they do – but because we have kids and therefore a responsibility to create the best future possible for them.

Why we do what we do:

Purpose Building:  We believe that when you have the ability to build better, you have the responsibility to build better.

Environmental Commitment:  Typical customers think they care about climate change, but they really don’t.  They say they want green but if it costs $1.00 more they will tend to walk away from it. By integrating sustainable practices, we’re doing our part for carbon reduction and climate change while creating homes people truly love.  It also happens to make financial sense.  By making a conscious decision to go green we have found a way to make it work for everyone.

Relentless Innovation:  From sourcing smarter designs around the globe to crafting thoughtful pocket neighbourhoods, SEAN. is always refining how we build to meet evolving needs. We prioritize the physical and mental well-being of our residents. Our homes feature many firsts in Ontario, Canada and even North America. We utilize sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, and green construction practices to minimize our carbon footprint and save homeowners money.

Commitment to Community:  Whether it’s diverse housing solutions or contemporary architecture, every project is focused on addressing today’s housing challenges while improving the lives of residents and bringing the community closer together.

Policy Influence: We actively participate in policy discussions to promote regulations that support sustainable building practices and affordable housing initiatives.

It’s not always a perfect journey, there are often bumps along the way, but any progress is better than standing still. Innovation drives us forward, setting a new standard for responsible, community-focused development.

BC:  An efficient team is crucial for delivering successful projects. How does the SEAN. team cultivate and strengthen a company culture that embodies a high-performance environment?

SM:  Our company culture thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Believing that the best ideas are born when diverse minds come together, we employ design charettes to obtain collaborative input from diverse stakeholders and encourage new ideas. This ensures a holistic approach as we harness the talents and energies of all interested parties to create and support a master plan and attempt to resolves conflicts early in the process.

We keep an open mind, but not so open that logic or reason falls by the wayside. Ego has no place here. We encourage everyone to out it in their back pocket, listen actively and value the input of others. I strongly believe that active listening, not assuming, is key to understanding and solving challenges effectively. Mistakes are valuable lessons, whether they’re ours or someone else’s. Learning from them helps us grow stronger as a team.

BC:  The best results come from trusted collaborations and cooperation among all parties. How crucial is communication between your building partners and teams that effectively foster trust and collaboration in your delivery process?

SM:  If things don’t get communicated effectively, they don’t get done, or at least not very well. We believe in a multidisciplinary approach, uniting professionals in sustainability, civil engineering, structural design, land planning, architecture, and marketing. This seamless collaboration ensures every project meets the highest standards of excellence.

The goal is to push the boundaries of conventional design and provide a much better product. Furthermore, a commitment to education and improvement means that we are constantly learning and sharing best practices.

BC: What are the benefits from adopting a ‘house-as-a-system’ approach to improve energy efficiency and performance in projects like Rainwater in Barrie, 121 Woodward, and 224 Maple in Bracebridge?

SM:  Adopting a “house-as-a-system” mindset actually makes the process easier when you look at it holistically. This approach shifts focus from isolated components to the way they work together as a unified system.

The challenges isn’t in the construction. It’s in charging your mindset and making a conscious decision to commit to better design and building principles.

For homeowners, the benefits are clear:

• Enhanced comfort and more usable space through consistent indoor temperatures
• A healthier living environment with improved air quality
• A more durable, long-lasting home built to stand the test of time
• Increased energy efficiency, leading to lower utility costs
• A reduced carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future

BC:  What are some of the innovative products, systems, and technologies utilized in Rainwater, Maple and Woodward that are game changers in achieving Net Zero Ready?

SM:  These developments are at the forefront of innovation, integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable design features that set a new standard for Net Zero Ready certification.

We went with a solar power systems at our recent Athabaska project which was an expensive investment, however, Enbridge Sustain absorbed the up-front capital costs enabling us to start on early infrastructure and pass on significant savings to the buyers.

At Rainwater, a development of 35 towns and 38 condos, a progressive geothermal energy system was implemented (again in partnership with Enbridge Sustain) featuring boreholes up to 360 feet deep. This system delivers a 30% reduction in energy use compared to the Ontario Building Code and a 42% reduction in emissions.

The condo building at Rainwater also utilizes cross-laminated timber (CLT) and cold-formed steel (CFS), creating a lighter, environmentally friendly structure with striking exposed interiors. Additional features, such as Sapphire pre-fabricated clip-on balconies, rooftop patios, parking stackers, and work-from-home flex spaces supported by high-speed fibre optics, enhance functionality and reduce the need for commuting.

The building envelope at Rainwater achieves exceptional performance with exterior R-10 insulation, low SHGC fiberglass windows and doors, and Aerobarrier air sealing, reaching an airtightness of 1.0 ACH. Sustainability is further reflected in the low-flow water fixtures, stormwater infiltration chambers, permeable paving, xeriscaping, and rain gardens, while optional EV chargers and soak-away pits support modern eco-conscious living. Advanced waste management strategies, including rebar recycling and panelized off-site construction, minimize environmental impact and material waste.

The Maple and Woodward developments follow the example set by the towns at Rainwater with heat pumps and all-electric power to shield occupants from rising fossil fuel prices. Also included are exterior insulation, high-efficient fiberglass windows and doors, solar shading, optimal solar power and EV charging stations. SmartOne home monitoring system and energy saving Panasonic appliances are also included.

In the world of construction, we recognize that each project is unique and may require different strategies to achieve its goals, and timelines are often intertwined with the diverse phases of project development. Clear and open communication is crucial both before and during the project to ensure smooth progress and desired outcomes.

BC: Modern home designs keep pushing the limits to find creative methods to combine functionality and style. What can clients expect from Rainwater, Maple and Woodward interiors?

SM:  The towns feature work-from-home flex spaces and large windows, catering to the evolving needs of our target market: young professionals and families. The condo offer striking wood ceilings and beams as well as biophilic balconies, open living spaces, and optimal private rooftop patios will also appeal to retirees.

The designs align with the CHBA Home Buyer Preference Survey’s Top Most-Desired Features of 2023, ensuring that the evolving demands of modern living are met.

• Family-sized towns up to bed/4.5 bath
• 9′ flat ceilings on the ground and main floors
• Upper floor laundry
• Open concept layout
• Modern kitchens with island, quartz countertops and s stainless steel dual basin sink
• Luxurious vinyl flooring
• Walk-in closets
• Custom designed floating staircases
• Panasonic ENERGYSTAR appliances, including induction cooktops
• Premium MOEN bathroom fixtures, including a Nebia misting shower head
• ERV
• 2-car parking in the towns, stackers in the condos

We like to think of the common areas as exteriors of the living space so it’s also worth mentioning that our communities also offer shared amenities that range from café-style seating to a pickleball court, workout space, ping pong table, dog wash station and a fire pit.

BC:  The need for affordable, secure housing investments has never been greater.  What are the benefits of SEAN.s’ 2-Own-A-Home co-ownership program and why is it a serious and viable option for buyers today?

SM:  The 2-Own-A-Home co-ownership program directly addresses the missing middle housing crisis with an innovative solution that makes homeownership more attainable. By leveraging co-ownership, the program unlocks affordability while simultaneously addressing the rental shortage.

Roughly half of the townhomes at 224 Maple and 121 Woodward feature split- unit designs, which became legal following a pivotal 2022 provincial zoning change. These designs include both 2-storey and one-level layouts, offering buyers the unique ability to generate rental income from secondary units – potentially as much as 2500 per month. This rental income significantly reduces monthly carrying costs, making these homes viable options for first time buyers, friends and multi- generational families alike.

When paired with the RBC Green Home Mortgage offering a 35-year amortization for energy- efficient homes, buyers can experience even further reductions in their monthly expenses. This unique combination of rental potential and energy- efficient mortgage benefits puts home ownership within reach, without compromising on quality, livability or sustainability.

The problem doesn’t just benefit homeowners however. It also adds 30 rental units in Bracebridge, a community grappling with a housing shortage, creating a win-win for all.

BC:  In recent years, communities like Rainwater and 121 Woodward and 224 Maple are quickly moving from elective to essential. Given the locations you have acquired land at, will you continue with this direction?

SM:  Building to this standard is essential and cost effective. With 2000 mid-rise units planned in Barrie, including a mixed-use 90+ unit mid-rise at 405 Essa Road, every future development will be built to the same standards and take advantage of our learnings.

By incorporating systems like CLT and geothermal power we can not only meet Net Zero Ready and ENERGYSTAR requirements but also advance sustainability and efficiency in all our builds. To reinforce the earlier point, our kids are front and centre in determining our values and mission. We are invested in producing the best homes and the best future possible for them.